Before Jet Creative Studio came to life, I spent over a decade immersed in the creative world hustle of agencies and corporate environments. From 2003 to 2017, I worked as a graphic designer, studio manager, and creative director across a wide range of industries—and looking back, I realise just how much those years shaped the designer I am today.
Learning on the Printing Press Floor
One of the most formative experiences of my career was working at an agency based inside a massive printing company. That meant I wasn’t just designing — I was seeing first-hand how things were made. I got a front-row seat to the world of printing, from litho and flexo to shrink sleeves, corrugated packaging, and everything in between.
This wasn’t just technical training — it was a masterclass in understanding the why behind excellent packaging. I learned how designs translate to physical materials, how colour behaves differently across mediums, and how to problem-solve with printers, finishers, and suppliers in real time. That’s also where my love for packaging design truly began.
Big Brands, Bigger Lessons
Throughout my agency career, I was lucky enough to work on some iconic brands. From flame-grilled legends like Nando’s and Scooters Pizza to pharmaceutical giants like Adcock Ingram, fashion favourites like DKNY, Michael Kors, and Clarins, and household names like King Pie, Revlon, and Avroy Shlain, I had the chance to dip my toes (and often dive head-first) into some seriously exciting work.
Every brand came with its own personality, tone, and audience, and every campaign required strategy, insight, and a whole lot of creative thinking. I didn’t just push pixels—I worked alongside strategists, marketing managers, photographers, printers, and clients to bring big ideas to life.
A View from the Inside: Corporate Creativity
Working in corporate wasn’t any less creative — it just came with a different pace and structure. I had the chance to manage internal and external marketing projects, spanning everything from digital to traditional media. This included:
● Photoshoots for product and lifestyle campaigns
● Packaging design: from labels and tubs to boxes and display cartons
● Brand development for internal departments, private labels, events, and new product launches
● Event branding for gala dinners, golf days, expos, and trade shows
As a studio manager, I also led a team of designers—coordinating workflows, meeting deadlines, juggling briefs, and keeping the creative energy flowing (even when things got hectic).
The Designer I Am Today
It’s rare these days to find designers trained in both the digital and print worlds — and even rarer to find someone who’s worked across as many channels and industries as I have.
From old-school print advertising (yes, I still adore bunting, till talkers, table talkers, and wobblers!) to modern digital strategies, I’ve seen the evolution of design firsthand. And while AI and automation are making waves, I believe there’s something compelling in combining print with digital in meaningful ways. (But that’s a blog for another day.)
Final Thoughts
All of this experience—the brands, the printing presses, the campaigns, the people, the late nights and lightbulb moments—has shaped the work I do today at Jet Creative Studio. I bring that same passion, insight, and high standard to every project, whether it’s a small business starting from scratch or a larger brand looking to refresh its image.
So when you work with me, you’re not just getting a designer. You’re getting a creative partner with real-world experience, strategic thinking, and the kind of insight that only comes from years in the field.
Pretty impressive, right?
